Nature
Polite Visitor
From The Book of the Little Past (1910)
I feel polite, outside the door;
But when it should begin,
I can't remember Not to ask
If just their Cat is in.
And if the Sun should sprinkle through
Along the floor that way,
I can't remember what I do
If I am Urged to Stay.
And when I've shaken hands all round,
--No matter how I try,
I can't remember Not to go
And Kiss their Dog good-by,
--Good-by,
--Good-by!
Yes, thank you, please.--They're Very Well;
--I think I'd better go.
Yes, thank you, please. I'm always late;
My Mother told me so.
Yes, thank you!--If I Have to Bring
A message,--yes, I'll come;
--And if your Bird will only Sing;
--And when your Cat is home.
Cite this poem
MLA
Peabody, Josephine Preston. “Polite Visitor.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/peabody/92/.
Chicago
Peabody, Josephine Preston. “Polite Visitor.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/peabody/92/.
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